The problem of growing income inequality is global, and it continues to become more serious as the divide between rich and poor deepens. Nick Hanauer, a venture capitalist with a strong record of productive investments, gave a short TED talk on the problem. He focuses on the political implications of this process.
There is little question that China is a great power, but the question remains as to how much of China’s resources will be allocated to military power. David Shambaugh, writing in the National Interest, argues that China is unlikely to become a military superpower. He thinks that the Chinese government is far more concerned about regional issues, rather than international matters. Moreover, the pressing domestic concerns of the Chinese people will constrain China’s international interests. I think he underestimates the degree to which Chinese power will evolve (much of what he says about China accurately describe pre-1945 US), but the essay is definitely worth a read.
The Obama Administration has decided to use armed drones in Iraq. They are supposed to be used to protect the 300-odd military personnel that the US is sending to Iraq, but the definition of “protection” is so vague that the drones could be used in a variety of circumstances. Thus, the US is once again militarily engaged in Iraq, protecting a government that does not appear to have broad support against an enemy that remains quite small (ISIS), even though it seems to wield a great deal of power right now.
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